The Grazia is Honda’s latest scooter, seventh in the company’s scooter portfolio. After the Cliq which was aimed at the rural audience, Honda has turned their attention for the urban population this time around. The Grazia follows the styling of Honda Dio, which hasn’t had a major facelift since its launch. Instead of face-lifting the Dio, Honda has decided to bring in an all-new scooter with a more powerful 125cc engine. Honda Activa (110cc) has completely dominated the scooter segment ever since its launch and is the highest selling two-wheeler in the country. Will the Grazia prove its mettle as the new flagship scooter of Honda?
The Grazia is based on the Activa 125 but gets a new design altogether. The front apron gets a more angular design with deep creases and a slimmer, wider LED headlamp (first-in-segment). The design may mimic the Dio but Grazia has its own identity. The all-digital instrument cluster looks stylish and gets two separate displays for projecting all the information (speedometer, trip meter, odometer, fuel gauge, clock and a tachometer). The front apron gets a mini glove box to store your mobile phone, wallet etc and also hosts the 12v charging socket (as an option).
On the top end Deluxe variant, the Grazia gets 12-inch alloy wheels to the front and 10-inch alloy wheels to the rear, both of them shod with tubeless tyres. Customers will also get 190mm disc brakes to the front while the rear does away with drum brakes and the Grazia also gets Honda’s Combi Brake System (CBS) with Equalizer technology. There is also a segment first, 3 step Eco Speed Indicator, an evolution of the normal Eco mode. Honda has given the Grazia a 4-in-1 lock with Seat Opener switch, where the rider doesn’t need to take out the key to open the seat lock from the rear. But unfortunately, the rider still has to open the seat to access the fuel tank. At the rear, things remain simple with just the split grab rails adding some flair.
Powering the Grazia is the proven 125cc unit that runs the Activa 125. The engine mated to CVT system has great low and mid-range power delivery. Producing 8.52 hp at 6,500 rpm and 10.54 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm (the same output as the Activa 125), Grazia is one of the quickest scooters off the line. The engine feels refined and undisturbed at speeds up to 80 km/h without a hiccup and the way it builds the speed even with a pillion on board is pleasing.
The driving dynamics is also vibrant with the Grazia going confident around the corners thanks to the 12-inch wheel up front. The telescopic front and hydraulic rear suspension has a good combination of ride quality and handling. Going over small bumps and potholes is taken care of with ease. Braking is taken care excellently with the front disc brake headlining the stopping duties with great bite and feedback. The seats are wide and have great cushioning but for a flagship scooter you would expect an exclusive seat, not a borrowed one from Dio.
Honda Grazia offers several segment-first features, great styling and an amazing engine. The bike is aimed at urban audience who look for a scooter that looks good, rides great and has good features to justify its price tag, which starts from Rs. 57,897 ex-showroom Delhi.
